Illinois Fighting Illini: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

5 Illinois Football Players Facing Massive Expectations in 2026

The expectations for Illinois football entering 2026? Truth is, there aren’t many. And that isn't a pessimistic take. Quite simply, with more newcomers than returners and a new defensive coordinator on staff, there are inevitably more questions than answers heading into Thursday’s opener against UAB (8 p.m.

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The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Guard Maika Matelau

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of sophomore offensive lineman Maika Matelau.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 2

How EA Sports' 'College Football 27' Predicts Illinois’ 2026 Season

With the Illini set to kick off yet another football season on Thursday, we decided to fire up the trusty XBox – specifically EA Sports' "College Football 27" – to learn whether the true-to-life video game could give us an early look at what Illinois' 2026 season may bring.

Jake Renfro News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 2

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Center Jake Renfro

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of Illini center Jake Renfro.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 2

3 Things We Will Learn About Illinois Football In Season Opener vs. UAB

Illinois football’s 2026 campaign is set to get underway on Thursday at Gies Memorial Stadium vs. UAB (8 p.m., BTN). The season opener is far from a marquee clash, but it will tell us more than otherwise might be expected.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 1

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Tackle Christian Martin

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of senior offensive lineman Christian Martin.

Kaden Feagin News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 1

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Tight End Kaden Feagin

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of senior tight end Kaden Feagin.

Brayden Trimble News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 31

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Wide Receiver Brayden Trimble

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of sophomore wide receiver Brayden Trimble.

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 31

Brad Underwood Provides Insight Into Key Illinois Returners' 2026-27 Outlook

Last Thursday, in an interview with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Illinois coach Brad Underwood was asked a straightforward question: Which returner is going to make the biggest jump in 2026-27?

Collin Dixon News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 30

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Wide Receiver Collin Dixon

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of Illini senior wide receiver Collin Dixon.

Aidan Laughery News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 30

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Running Back Aidan Laughery

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of Illini senior running back Aidan Laughery.

Katin Houser News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 30

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Quarterback Katin Houser

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of senior quarterback Katin Houser.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 29

Brad Underwood Shares His Take on the Chaotic Landscape of College Basketball

Every college basketball follower – ranging from the most avid, hoops-crazed fan to the viewer who only tunes in come March – has an opinion on the state of the sport.

Ca'Lil Valentine News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 29

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Running Back Ca'Lil Valentine

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of junior running back Ca'Lil Valentine.

NFL News / Yardbarker / August 28

Commanders fans could soon turn on HC Dan Quinn

Commanders fans may turn on HC Dan Quinn after alarming preseason loss to Ravens

Dan Quinn can call Washington’s 41-3 loss to Baltimore meaningless because it happened in the preseason. Commanders fans may soon arrive with pitchforks if the regular season confirms what Friday’s 38-point humiliation appeared to reveal.

Commanders should be concerned after pathetic showing at joint practice

Dan Quinn calls out Commanders after unacceptable preseason showing

Jayden Daniels’ lone drive exposes Commanders’ greatest concern

NFL roster cuts expose flaws in league's approach to player safety

The '200-passing yards in first 20 NFL games' quiz

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 28

Final Four Is a 'Great Drug' – And Why Brad Underwood Thinks Illinois Can Have It Again

There is always the concern of a hangover after an intoxicating end-of-season moment in sports. That’s why repeat championships – whether a national title in college or a professional trophy – are so hard to accomplish.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 28

Illinois Basketball Makes Top 10 for 5-Star 2027 Guard King Gibson

Illinois continues to keep its foot on the gas on the recruiting trail. Brad Underwood and his crew, who have been almost exclusively linked to five-star prospects in the past few weeks, are in the mix for yet another standout member of the class of 2027.

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 27

Brad Underwood Names Illinois Freshman Summer Standouts – Including a 'Big Surprise'

Over the past few years, Illinois coach Brad Underwood and his staff have turned to the international waters and the transfer portal to build their rosters.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 27

Illinois Football Countdown: 7 Thoughts Before the 2026 Season Opener

Just seven sleeps stand between us and Illinois’ 2026 season opener, which comes in Champaign against UAB (8 p.m. CT, BTN). Starting today (Thursday), we’ll share a few key thoughts, questions and/or predictions about the Illini each day leading up to kickoff.

College Basketball News / Busting Brackets / August 27